The Step Up to Independence Program at Save the Family is a transitional housing program designed to support families experiencing housing instability. This program is designed to help families achieve long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency. Participants are required to sign a program agreement and actively engage in the following program expectations:

• Maintain consistent full time employment throughout program participation.
• Participate regularly in mandatory case management services and other supportive services provided by Save the Family.
• Pay the required occupancy fee on time each month.
• Increase household income to support the family budget and prepare for sustainable housing after program completion.
• Reduce existing debt obligations.
• Refrain from taking on new debt during the program (such as car loans, new credit cards, or rent-to-own purchases)
• Work toward securing and maintaining permanent housing upon exiting the program.

• Program participants will be placed in designated two-bedroom housing units located in Mesa, Arizona near Westwood High School. Due to size of the units family size cannot exceed 5 people.
• An $800 security deposit is required at move-in. This deposit will also satisfy the occupancy fee for your move-in month no mater what date you move in. 
• Month 2 will be no charge.  
• Beginning in Month 3 through Month 6, an $800 occupancy fee is due by the 5th  of each month. 
• Starting in Month 7 and continuing through the end of the program, participants will contribute either $800 or 30% of their total household income. When 30% of household income exceeds $800, the first $800 will be applied to the occupancy fee, and the remaining amount will be deposited into a savings account. (Example:  Monthly Household income is $3,000. 30% would be $900 owed to the program. $800 of that will go towards the occupancy fee and $100 will be placed into savings.)  
• Participants who successfully complete the 12-month program will receive all funds contributed to the program, including both occupancy fee payments and savings deposits. Participants who exit the program unsuccessfully will not receive a refund of occupancy fees paid during their participation. However, any funds accumulated in savings from contributions above the $800 monthly occupancy fee will be returned to the participant.